Timber rot and woodworm investigation
We inspect timber decay and signs of wood-boring insects, find the moisture source and separate active damage from historic evidence before treatment.
Signs worth having checked.
- Soft or crumbling timber
- Fungal growth
- Small flight holes or fresh dust
- Bouncy floors
- A survey report mentioning rot or wood-boring insects
The symptom is the starting point.
The same mark can have several causes. We use your description to prepare, then inspect the property before recommending work.
What does a survey include?Checks that put the symptoms in context.
- Timber moisture and ventilation
- The extent and accessibility of the damage
- Evidence of current insect activity
- Leaks and other sources of damp
- Whether structural advice is needed
Clear next steps.
- Stopping the source of moisture
- Improving subfloor or roof-space ventilation
- Targeted preservative treatment where justified
- Repairing or replacing unsound timber
- Monitoring where the evidence is historic
The recommendation depends on the property and the evidence found during the survey.
What the inspection can and cannot establish.
- Concealed joist ends, roof timbers and subfloors can be assessed only where safe access is available.
- A visual inspection cannot replace structural design advice where load-bearing timber has lost strength.
- Insect activity can be seasonal, so the absence of fresh dust on one day does not prove that a risk has ended.
Different properties need different answers.
- Stopping leaks, improving ventilation or drying the timber before deciding on treatment
- Repairing or replacing timber only where its condition and structural role justify it
- Using a targeted insecticide or preservative treatment when the evidence supports it
- Monitoring apparently historic holes where no active signs or unsafe decay are found
Deal with the cause, then the finish.
- Identify the timber, its role and the moisture conditions around it.
- Stop the source of damp and improve drying conditions.
- Reassess the timber, then specify treatment, repair or replacement proportionate to the damage.
- Record what was treated and leave access for future inspection where possible.
What a quotation or report should make clear.
- The timber areas and accessible damage included
- Whether moisture repairs, timber repairs, treatment or monitoring are proposed
- Any structural engineer, roofer or other-trade input that is outside the scope
- Preparation, protection, reinstatement and treatment aftercare
Small checks help protect the result.
- Keep roof coverings, gutters, plumbing and ventilation maintained so timber stays dry.
- Do not block subfloor air bricks or cover inspection points.
- Keep records of treated areas and report fresh dust, renewed damp or softening timber.
UK guidance worth keeping.
These public sources provide background on moisture, ventilation, timber or below-ground work. They are useful context, not a diagnosis of your property.
Timber & woodworm: questions and answers.
How can you tell if woodworm is active?
Fresh bore dust, the shape and condition of flight holes, timber moisture and seasonal activity all help. No single sign is conclusive on its own.
Does treating rot without fixing damp work?
Not for long. Leaks, damp masonry or poor ventilation need to be addressed alongside any timber treatment or repair.
Will damaged timber always need replacing?
No. It depends on the remaining strength, the timber’s role and the extent of decay. Structural members may also need an engineer’s advice.
Talk to WeatherWise Solutions about timber & woodworm
Tell us what you have noticed and where the property is. The WeatherWise Solutions team will help arrange the right next step.
WeatherWise Solutions
Based in Newcastle-under-Lyme and serving the Midlands and North West by appointment. You can see our business details and customer reviews on Google.